I work closely with people facing difficult circumstances, helping clients identify clear, workable paths forward. Because collaborative problem-solving often leads to stronger, more durable outcomes, mediation is central to my approach. When dialogue can resolve a dispute, I pursue it strategically and purposefully. When it can’t, I am fully prepared to advocate forcefully for you in court. In every matter, I focus on protecting your interests and achieving results that support your goals.

Before becoming a lawyer, as a professor of history and writing, I taught a wide range of students—including traditional college students, continuing education learners, professional writers, and incarcerated individuals. That work demanded patience, adaptability, and deep listening, as well as the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and respectfully. Those skills now define my legal practice. Having worked with people from many backgrounds and life experiences, I am comfortable meeting you where you are and helping you navigate complex legal issues with clarity, care, and confidence.

Mediation gives clients real voice, control, and efficiency. I believe many conflicts—whether involving community disputes, interpersonal issues, or criminal justice concerns—can be resolved through creativity and mutual problem-solving. I take the time to understand my clients’ priorities, constraints, and concerns, and I work to develop solutions that are realistic, fair, and sustainable. My approachable, easy-to-talk-to style helps create an environment of trust and openness where it’s possible to make real progress.

When mediation isn’t right for the situation, I litigate decisively. My background as a researcher trained me to prepare thoroughly, analyze issues deeply, and build strong, well-supported arguments. Additionally, my experience as a published novelist and public speaker sharpened my ability to tell a clear and compelling story—an asset in negotiation, written advocacy, and the courtroom alike.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts from Duke University, my PhD from the University of Michigan, and my Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law. A resident of central North Carolina for two decades, I feel at home across this remarkable state, from the mountains to the coast.

I believe the law should be a tool for clarity, fairness, and forward motion. I am committed to working alongside my clients, listening closely, advocating strongly, and helping you move ahead with confidence.